Physical-Layer Cross Connect Dynamic Path Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center infrastructure lacks efficient methods for dynamically managing and monitoring physical-layer communication paths across multiple physical-layer cross-connect switches, leading to suboptimal data transmission and potential network bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a physical-layer cross-connect (PLCC) that includes a system-bus interface, a switching circuit with dynamically configurable data bus, transceivers, and a PLCC controller to receive path-configuration commands, mirror inbound data, analyze informational characteristics, and report them to a communication-path-management controller, enabling dynamic configuration and monitoring of data connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual patch panels are used for physical connections, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate due to static connections requiring manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical patching operations with an automated electronic control system. The PLCC controller receives electronic configuration commands and automatically establishes data connections through the switching circuit, eliminating the need for manual cable patching while providing dynamic reconfigurability. This substitution of mechanical operations with electronic control resolves the contradiction by achieving both adaptability and reduced operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple patch panels are deployed to expand connectivity, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple patch panel functions into a single integrated PLCC device. The switching circuit with multiple data ports consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate patch panels, while the unified electronic control system manages all connections centrally. This merging approach maintains high adaptability for expanding connectivity while reducing overall system complexity and simplifying management through centralized control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If static one-to-one wiring is used in cross-connect switches, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to dynamically reconfigure connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection configuration through the switching circuit controlled by the PLCC controller. Instead of static one-to-one wiring, the system allows data connections to be dynamically established and reconfigured based on electronic configuration commands. The switching circuit can adaptively route data between any data ports as needed, providing flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through automated electronic control rather than manual rewiring.
4Reliability
If no monitoring capability is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to detect and manage communication path issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a monitoring and management system where the PLCC controller actively monitors communication paths and receives configuration commands from external controllers. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect connection status, identify issues, and dynamically adjust configurations to maintain optimal performance. The monitoring capability enhances reliability by providing visibility into system state while managing complexity through automated control and status reporting.
Data Source
AI summary
A physical-layer cross connect (PLCC) includes a system-bus interface; a switching circuit having multiple externally accessible data ports, an internal-only PLCC-controller port, and a data bus that is dynamically configurable among the externally accessible data ports and the internal-only PLCC-controller port; transceivers connected to the externally accessible data ports and to a signal bus; data jacks connected to the transceivers; and a PLCC controller interfaced with the system-bus interface, the data bus, the signal bus, and the internal-only PLCC-controller port and configured to: receive path-configuration commands from a communication-path-management controller and responsively configure connections on the data bus; receive mirrored copies of inbound data by selectively configuring connections on the data bus between the internal-only PLCC-controller port and the various externally accessible data ports; analyze the mirrored copies of inbound data to determine at least one informational characteristic; and report the determined informational characteristic(s) to the communication-path-management controller.